Approved Final TMDLs

Final TMDLs Approved by EPA: Back River

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Back River (02130901) is a tidal estuary of the Chesapeake Bay, located on the western shore just north of Baltimore Harbor. The Back River watershed is fed primarily by Herring Run, Redhouse Run, and Stemmers Run.

Chlordane, a pesticide no longer authorized for use in the United States, has been detected in certain Back River fish tissues at levels that required the issuance of a consumption advisory. This advisory has been in place since February 5, 1986. As a consequence of the fish consumption advisory, Back River was identified on the Maryland’s 1996 list of water quality limited segments (WQLSs) as being impaired by the pesticide chlordane, as well as nutrients and suspended sediments . The document, available below, established a TMDL of chlordane for the Back River. The nutrient impairment was addressed in 2005. The suspended sediment impairment will be addressed separately. A water quality analysis was conducted in 2004 for Zinc.

TMDL of Chlordanefor Back River, Baltimore County, MD(Approved on December 17, 1999)